Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers played their worst football at the most crucial time of the year in 2024. Instead of going into the playoffs hot, the Steelers lost their last four games to conclude the regular season (out-scored 109-57). And then in the Wild Card game, the Baltimore Ravens embarrassed the Steelers by rushing for 299 yards, coasting to a 28-14 win at M&T Bank Stadium.
The Steelers lost five straight games for only the second time under head coach Mike Tomlin. The Steelers also failed to score more than 17 points during the five-game losing streak to end the season, a streak that hasn’t occurred since Chuck Noll’s first season in 1969. The Steelers went 1-13 that season.
Despite the brutal end to the season, Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle Cam Heyward still has confidence in the team.
“I think we can bounce back from it,” Heyward said on SiriusXM NFL Radio from the Pro Bowl Games in Orlando, Fla. “But there are things we need to clear up. We need to have a decision at quarterback. And I think we need to add a couple parts. We’ll see what happens. But I don’t have to make those decisions, and I’m happy I don’t have to make those decisions. Because I’d like to have both of those guys back.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but Russell Wilson, Justin Fields know what they’re doing. I just hope we find a solution and a recipe for us to continue to win.”
The Steelers have a slew of needs in free agency and the draft, but wide receiver, defensive line, cornerback, quarterback and running back are the most pressing holes on the roster.
"Mike T can say his guys don't have to carry the luggage, but we do."@Steelers DT Cam Heyward discussed the QB position in Pittsburgh and how the 2024 season ended.
📻 https://t.co/xbd7JNvi63#Steelers | #HereWeGo | #ProBowlGames pic.twitter.com/0xoav57gl1
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) January 30, 2025
The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game in eight years, losing six straight playoff games. The latter is tied for the longest streak in the NFL. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin admitted before the latest playoff loss that the lack of success in the postseason is his baggage.
“What you mentioned is my story, it’s not this collective’s story,” Tomlin said in the week leading up to the Wild Card game. “Many of these guys involved do not tote those bags. I happily tote those bags. It’s not something that I’m going to project on the collective.”
Heyward disagrees with his head coach. It’s on the players, too.
“Mike T can say his guys don’t have to carry the luggage, but we do,” Heyward said. “Every year, we’re striving to win a Super Bowl, and when we fall short, we all have to own it. We all have to be better because of it. I don’t think we had enough cohesion on defense to be sound. That starts with...
